Home Construction Tips

Asani Estate, now offers details in the form of a blog to ease your working and stress in regards to buying your dream property, be it a plot or a home. Bear in mind these tips while venturing out for your dwelling to keep things in perspective.
We here at Asani believe you should have the flexibility and the liberty to embark on your own quest to find an asset. However with the conditions of the market due to some individuals or contractors or dealers of questionable reputation it becomes hard to avoid falling into a trap or a scam.
Just give a quick view to this blog to see if you are missing on anything that was not thought of by you. We wish you all the best in your endeavours.

Construction & Development:

It is everyone’s dream to have their own house. It is a splendid journey that begins from a look out for an ideal location to building your own house. Many prefer buying directly from the market. Either way, Asani Estate and its resources help you with these great knowledgeable tips to bear in mind when you decide to “Make the Hunt”.

The 3 Magic Words (Location, Location, Location):

You heard us right. Location is extremely important when it comes to having your own place. Do your research, check the surroundings, and see what facilities are available and what will be made available down the road. Consult how the area is being planned and how it will affect you in the future. Check the amenities that are being provided and will be planned for provision in the near future.

Value for Money:

A home is where peace of mind dwells. Choose your dwelling while keeping factors such as hospitals, travelling distance, general facilities, parks and entertainment in mind. It can also add value to your asset in a span of time especially when more people move in the same locality. Increasing the overall neighbourhood size and footprint of people.

Notable Housing Societies:

A few good options for living and investment in the form of housing societies in major cities of Pakistan are:

Islamabad:

• MPCHS (E-11, B-17)
• Bahria Enclave
• Bahria Town (Phase 1 – 8)
• DHA (Phase 2)

Lahore:

• Bahria Town
• DHA (Phase 1 – 9)
• Lake City
• Valencia
• Model Town, Garden Town, Muslim Town
• Johar Town, P-Tech Society
• Askari

Rawalpindi:

• Bahria Town (Phase 7,8,9)
• DHA (Phase 1)
• Askari
• West-Ridge

Survey:

The first part of an excitement filled journey. It has to be kept in mind when going out for survey to check the right boxes. Make sure:

• The place you are choosing is legal and has no history of litigation as it can break “Investors’ Confidence” and can add to a lot of troubles in the form of stay orders, extended litigations, ban of construction
• Make sure you research the area well and compare with competing venues in terms of benefits, distances, facilities etc.
• It is always wise to check if a local authority/ government has issued an NOC (No Objection Certificate) to a town or society to issue transfers and commence operations.
• Do business with a registered dealer/ agent/ broker and always verify a property in terms of its paper-work and value before-hand. Never get intimidated with pump and dump game scenarios. Always keep options available at an arm’s length
• Communicate with the people already living there about amenities, facilities, issues of the area to get a first-hand view about these scenarios

Type of Plot:

First inspect the type of land. Whether it is rocky, plain, in depth or on an incline. The quality and features of the plot always account in the overall value of the asset. This can also serve great benefit to the overall design.
A plot that is shallow allows naturally the construction of a basement. This saves on the cost of excavation, digging
A heighted plot serves as a great retreat from conventional designs and can be made to tailor fit your design aspirations.

Architecture and Design:

This part is what will draw appeal to the project. A good architecture always exploits all the facets of a plot towards a good construction and a neat design layout. It will also add value to the estate alongside giving it a fresh, managed and cultured feel.
Always select a professional Architect for the said part. Engage in active correspondence with the designer to get the most ideas merged with the concept. Make sure that the entire plot is utilized well for the development of your estate and every issue is addressed. It is best to keep the future in mind too. Changing weather patterns are a prime example. Even the proper utility of the roof can work wonders, relevant to installation of a Solar Powered setup to minimize electrical and utility costs.
Asani Estate has a dedicated Architecture and Design Division that can spear-head your design needs, based on your requirements and needs. With quality being the hallmark of our focus, we assure you:

• Creative and original designs, with an eye on quality
• A capable and professional team to address your ideas

Basement:

This is the most under-utilized part when constructing. It provides a full free floor worth of space to be used. However, it is best suited that the basement be built on plots of size 10 Marla and more and space management will be best in it.
The reason why a basement cannot be built on a small plot is because it risks settlement of land surrounding it that can cave-in. That can cause the structure to become unstable and may lead to a collapse. Ventilation also becomes a factor as small plots have inadequate ventilation. On a bigger size land with relevant construction a basement can be a game changer. Not only the space is better utilized but the value for money is also increased.
A basement can be made to serve to a particular function or can be used to earn value. A separate entry basement can be used to give on rent and earn in exchange. This is very trendy now a days in Pakistan. Additionally, it may be used as a drawing room or a separate sitting for business clients and guests.

Construction:

This is a one-time step, so it is paramount that you get this right. Make sure you hire the right team for the task. You should look out for a registered contractor preferably with the PEC (Pakistan Engineering Council) as it is the most authentic registration in Pakistan. Also make sure you keep vigilance on the project and keep an eye on the workings of the service provider. Make payments following a pre-decided schedule either in the form of cheque instruments or bank transfers.
Avoid shady contractors in the first place no matter what they suggest in terms of materials and rates. Remember the saying “If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is”.
Oversight is just as needed. A civil engineer specializing in structures can be a wonderful choice to make sure the design and development are aligned. It also ensures proper quality materials are used and correct ratios are applied to the overall construction of the project.

Raw Materials:

Quality raw materials are essential for the longevity and endurance of your asset. A low quality construction can be managed to a certain degree with good use of materials but poor workmanship coupled with poor materials can be a recipe for trouble.
Ensure good quality Sand and Crush are used in adequate ratios free from any mud to allow sticking in the mortar solution of cement. Use high quality cement that is fresh as old cement tends to gather and absorb moisture making it brittle and non-adhesive. High quality paint will also ensure protection from rain water leaks alongside drawing good aesthetics of your property. If you have to build it, we recommend building it right the first time.

In many well organized housing societies and townships like Bahria Town, DHA, Bahria Enclave, their concerned teams keep active vigilance on not only the quality of the materials but also their ratios and how they are being poured or applied.

Cost Variations:

This is also dependent on, where or in which locality you are building your home. Although some standards will apply (Architecture design costs, bye laws and design passing charges, taxes as applicable). Some societies charge extra for a separate design altogether while some charge for using their design catalogues.
Cost estimations differ from home to home. Depending on its size, location and type of material being chosen. For instance, a home being built on a hillside may cost more due to supply and transportation issues. A home being built in the city center may cost less regarding the transport and supply overheads. For luxurious items a government tax regime may be applicable as well on them. Similarly gray structure (Unfinished, shell structure) costs also vary depending on type of design. Earthquake resistant structures tend to be more expensive due to structured designs, a simple house without all these considerations will cost less.
Generally the costs associated may range anywhere between from Rs. 2500 sq.ft. to Rs. 7500 sq. ft., even more depending on the type of finishing.
Some societies provide all services from surveying to architecture and designing to construction are provided under the same roof, similar to a “One Window Operation”. A classic example in this case is Bahria Town, Bahria Enclave, DHA and Lake View. The charges can vary from society to society or community to community.

General Tips:

• Always verify the property, its paper-work and pay after the transfer of asset is complete
• Inquire with the locals about the status of the land you are interested in.
• Before investing in a residential community or society always check if it has an NOC from the local authorities or if the area is under litigation
• Always make bank transfers to avoid payment disputes